Facts about Komainu

1. 05

   Komainu designs show clear influence from Chinese lion imagery, brought to Japan via the Korean peninsula during the early centuries of cultural exchange.

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2. 04

   In Japanese mythology and religion, komainu are believed to ward off evil spirits, functioning as supernatural guardians rather than purely decorative sculptures.

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3. 03

   Stone komainu gradually replaced wooden versions as the dominant form during the Kamakura period, reflecting broader shifts in shrine architecture and materials.

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4. 02

   The open-mouthed komainu figure is called 'a-gyō' and the closed-mouthed one 'un-gyō', together representing the first and last sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet.

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5. 01

   Guardian lion-dog statues known as komainu are traditionally placed in pairs at the entrances of Shinto shrines across Japan.

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